THE OTTO AWARDS

Every year at Fastaval, prizes are awarded to the best premiere roleplaying games and designer boardgame, as well as an honorary Otto to a dedicated person or group [in the scene]. The prize is called Otto and takes the form of a golden penguin.

Here you can read about the different prizes, how they are awarded, who awards them and how they are defined.

THE SCENARIO OTTO

At every Fastaval since 1992, prizes have been awarded to the best premiere scenarios. The Ottos are awarded at the Otto Party Sunday night at Fastaval, and a jury consisting of six people with different roleplaying profiles decide who is nominated and who wins. The Otto jury is presided over by a head judge appointed by Alea, and the head judge then recruit their jury based on a desire for different skill-sets, diversity and experience in roleplaying. The Otto is awarded on the basis of the scenarios as written materials, but the jury also look to player experiences in the form of the evaluation sheets handed out after each scenario has run.

For the scenario jury it is a long and thorough process to read and analyze all the scenarios and furthermore shortlist those who is nominated and wins an Otto award. If you want to know more about what it means to be in the Otto jury before, under and after Fastaval you can read about it here.

Over the years, the Otto categories have changed several times, but at the moment prizes are awarded in the categories Best Presentation, Best Mechanics, Best Characters, Best Storytelling, The Participants’ Award, The Special Award and Best Scenario. You can read the definitions of the scenario Ottos below:

BEST SCENARIO

Awarded to the scenario that creates the best basis for a good roleplaying experience at Fastaval. The scenario is assessed as a whole, with particular emphasis on the harmonious combination of form and content, potential and accessibility.

BEST MECHANICS

Awarded to the scenario that best uses mechanics, techniques, rules or structure to create a good roleplaying experience within the framework of the scenario.

BEST STORYTELLING

Awarded to the scenario that creates the best narrative experience by the means of roleplaying and within the context of the scenario. The award takes both the idea, the overarching dramatic flow and the individual scenes into consideration.

THE SPECIAL AWARD

Awarded to the inspiring or interesting scenario, that attracted the attention of the jury by distinguishing itself from the rest of the games in a particular way. The award can be given for either the general concept or a specific part of the scenario.

BEST PRESENTATION

Awarded to the scenario that in an accessible and inspiring way best presents its material. The award includes text, structure, appearance, presentation and is assessed in relation to the preparation of the participants and the use during the game.

BEST CHARACTERS

Awarded to the scenario that presents the players with the best foundation for roleplay within the framework of the scenario and which ensures co-ownership of the experience. Another consideration is that the content designed for the players is inspiring and engaging.

THE PARTICIPANTS’ AWARD

Awarded to the scenario that gives the participants at Fastaval the best roleplaying experience overall. The award is solely based on the experience of players and game masters via submitted votes.

THE BOARDGAME OTTO

Since 2012, designer boardgames and the boardgame Otto have been permanent features of the convention. At first they were represented by a single Otto, Best Boardgame, but in 2016 the prize Best Innovation was added. In the same manner as the scenario Otto, the boardgame Otto is awarded by a jury consisting of six people. One head judge and five jury members, also selected based on experience, different skill-sets and diversity in their approach to boardgames.

Two Ottos are awarded for boardgames; Best Boardgame and Best Innovation. You can read the definitions of the boardgame Ottos below:

BEST BOARDGAME

The Otto for Best Boardgame is awarded to the game that the judges deem to give the best play experience. The game that best presents it’s game genre, and brings a breath of fresh air to the genre. The game that gives a great play experience and makes you want to play it over and over.

BEST INNOVATION

The Otto for Best Innovation is awarded to the game that the judges find has the most interesting original thought. The game that pushes the boundaries of what a boardgame is and can do, or perhaps the game that exploits the unique conditions that Fastaval can provide. The keywords are: Innovation, Think Outside the Box, Push the Boundaries, Exploit Fastaval Conditions.

THE HONORARY OTTO

Fastaval cannot exist without volunteers and people passionately working to constantly renew and make things better for all. For this reason, since 1992 the convention has honoured the people going above and beyond the call of duty. The Honorary Otto is in recognition of the merits of a person, group or organization that through time has contributed not only to Fastaval but to the environment surrounding the activities that define Fastaval. The Honorary Otto is awarded every year at a reception in The Oasis, and the recipient gives an acceptance speech at the Otto Party Sunday night. The head judge and jury selector is always last year’s winner. The Honorary Otto jury decides on nominations and who wins, but before Fastaval it’s possible to put forward the person/group which you think deserves an extraordinary recognition.